Arizona vs California Property Tax — What Relocators Need to Know

You’re moving from California to Arizona. Or thinking about it. Your real estate agent says property tax in Arizona is way lower than California. Your accountant friend says actually California’s Prop 13 makes long-term ownership cheaper. Who’s right? In this episode of The Property Professor, you’ll get the actual mechanics of both systems: California’s 1978 Prop 13 (2% annual assessment cap, reassessment only on sale or major renovation) and Arizona’s 2012 Prop 117 with its Limited Property Value cap (5% annual cap, LPV can never exceed Full Cash Value). Effective rates compared, real Chandler-area example showing how the LPV cap actually plays out, and the relocator considerations most CA-to-AZ buyers miss.

Two related episodes worth your time if you’re planning a move: prepaid property taxes are one of the surprises at the closing table covered in Closing Costs in Arizona, and if you’re a move-up seller coordinating both transactions, see Should You Sell Before You Buy? for the timing playbook. Want me to run actual property tax numbers on specific properties on both sides of the border? Head to thepropertyprofessor.blog and book a call — I’ll pull the assessor data.

Runtime: 6:45 · One quick reminder: any specific dollar examples, percentages, or rates in this episode are illustrative only. Tax rates vary by county, school district, and local voter-approved bonds. Don’t assume the numbers apply to your situation — get the actual assessor data for any property you’re considering. Sources: Arizona Department of Revenue (LPV), AZ Prop 117 (2012), CA Prop 13 (1978), SmartAsset calculators. Not tax advice for your specific situation; talk to a CPA or tax professional about your specific move.